The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has released a new study conducted by the Hamburg School of Business Administration (HSBA) on behalf of ICS, regarding the potential effects of autonomous ships on the role of seafarers and the global shipping industry.

In light of growing media interest and the diversity of expert opinions on the subject, the study seeks to separate fact from fiction. Commenting on its release, ICS Secretary General, Guy Platten said: ‘The two-year IMO regulatory scoping exercise for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships is now well underway to determine how existing IMO instruments can be leveraged to ensure that autonomous ships are safe, secure, and environmentally sound.’

With over 1.6 million seafarers currently estimated to serve in merchant ships trading internationally, the impact of MASS on seafarers requires thorough consideration going forward.